New Zealand eagle ray

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New Zealand eagle ray
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Rajiformes
Family: Myliobatidae
Genus: Myliobatis
Species: M. tenuicaudatus
Binomial name
Myliobatis tenuicaudatus
Hector, 1877

The New Zealand eagle ray, Myliobatis tenuicaudatus, is an eagle ray of the family Myliobatidae, found in bays, estuaries, and near rocky reefs around New Zealand to depths of 160 m. Its length is up to 150 cm.

The New Zealand eagle ray occurs in bays, estuaries, and near rocky reefs, usually solitary. They have a separate forward projecting head and the wings (which are greatly expanded pectoral fins) are pointed and curved slightly backwards. Although there is no no caudal fin there is a small dorsal fin at the base of the tail. Although the spine on the tail is capable of inflicting a painful wound, the poison is quickly neutralized by immersion of the injured area in hot water.

It feeds on clams, oysters, worms, and crabs.

Reproduction is ovoviviparous.

Coloration is olive-green, yellow or dark brown dorsally with pale blue or grey markings, and white ventrally.

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